Africa comes to Galway City this May, as part of a celebration of the people, cultures and potential of this wonderful continent and all of the African communities who call Galway City home. Africa Day, taking place on Saturday 23 May, brings a full-day event featuring live music, traditional and contemporary dance, African cuisine, fashion showcases and art exhibitions to Salthill Park, for a free family-friendly celebration. Full details of events taking place nationwide are available on www.AfricaDay.ie
Africa Day is an annual worldwide celebration, with local authorities across Ireland hosting a range of cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events nationwide throughout the month of May.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said, “Africa Day is a chance for everyone in Galway, both the wider community and African communities living here, to celebrate Galway’s status as Ireland’s most multicultural city. People of African heritage are an important part of life in Galway. They are part of our neighbourhoods, our schools, and our workplaces, working alongside people from Galway, across Ireland, Europe, and around the world. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Africa Day is about recognising that strength, building understanding, and coming together to celebrate African cultures in Salthill Park on 23 May.”.
Cllr Helen Ogbu said, “As the first person of African heritage elected to Galway City Council, Africa Day holds deep personal and community significance for me. It celebrates visibility, belonging, representation, and the enormous contribution African communities make to Galway and Ireland every day.
I am proud of the strong collaboration between Galway City Council and the African community, led by Africa United Galway and supported by the many African organisations and groups working together to make this event possible. This unity reflects the strength of diversity, integration, cultural exchange, and community collaboration in making Galway a welcoming and inclusive city for all”
The 2026 Africa Day programme was launched by Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Neale Richmond TD, with funding provided by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
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